Mademoiselle d’Arlange sat down in the large armchair, where, two nights previously, old Tabaret had planned Albert’s arrest.  M. Daburon remained standing leaning against his writing-table.

“You know why I have come?” asked the young girl.

With a nod, he replied in the affirmative.

He divined her object only too easily; and he was asking himself whether he would be able to resist prayers from such a mouth.  What was she about to ask of him?  What could he refuse her?  Ah, if he had but foreseen this?  He had not yet got over his surprise.

“I only knew of this dreadful event yesterday,” pursued Claire; “my grandmother considered it best to hide it from me, and, but for my devoted Schmidt, I should still be ignorant of it all.  What a night I have passed!  At first I was terrified; but, when they told me that all depended upon you, my fears were dispelled.  It is for my sake, is it not, that you have undertaken this investigation?  Oh, you are good, I know it!  How can I ever express my gratitude?”

What humiliation for the worthy magistrate were these heartfelt thanks!  Yes, he had at first thought of Mademoiselle d’Arlange, but since—­He bowed his head to avoid Claire’s glance, so pure and so daring.

“Do not thank me, mademoiselle,” he stammered, “I have not the claim that you think upon your gratitude.”

Claire had been too troubled herself, at first, to notice the magistrate’s agitation.  The trembling of his voice attracted her attention; but she did not suspect the cause.  She thought that her presence recalled sad memories, that he doubtless still loved her, and that he suffered.  This idea saddened her, and filled her with self-reproach.

“And yet, sir,” she continued, “I thank you all the same.  I might never have dared go to another magistrate, to speak to a stranger!  Besides, what value would another attach to my words, not knowing me?  While you, so generous, will re-assure me, will tell me by what awful mistake he has been arrested like a villain and thrown into prison.”

“Alas!” sighed the magistrate, so low that Claire scarcely heard him, and did not understand the terrible meaning of the exclamation.

“With you,” she continued, “I am not afraid.  You are my friend, you told me so; you will not refuse my prayers.  Give him his liberty quickly.  I do not know exactly of what he is accused, but I swear to you that he is innocent.”

Claire spoke in the positive manner of one who saw no obstacle in the way of the very simple and natural desire which she had expressed.  A formal assurance given by her ought to be amply sufficient; with a word, M. Daburon would repair everything.  The magistrate was silent.  He admired that saint-like ignorance of everything, that artless and frank confidence which doubted nothing.  She had commenced by wounding him, unconsciously, it is true, but he had quite forgotten that.